Gymnastics Legend Shannon Miller

Jun 13, 2012 by FloGymnastics Admin

Shannon Miller is the most decorated gymnast in US Olympic history. She is a gymnastic legend both individually and as a member of the 1996 US Women’s Gymnastics Team, fondly referred to as the “Magnificent Seven.” Her Gold medal on the balance beam at the 1996 Olympic Games marked the first time in history for any American gymnast to capture that particular medal. During those Games, Shannon led the US Women’s Team to successfully oust the Russian dynasty and win Team Gold that year on their home soil of Atlanta, Georgia. The US Women’s Gymnastics Team had never won Gold even at a World Championship – but that year – they accomplished what no team had been able to do before.

Four years earlier, at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, Shannon’s tally of five medals was the most medals won by a US athlete in any sport. According to Shannon, “Representing my country on the Olympic stage was an honor, a privilege and one of the greatest moments of my life.”

Shannon has won a staggering 7 Olympic medals and 9 World Championship Medals, 59 International and 49 National competition medals, over half of which have been gold. She is the only American to rank among the Top 10 All-Time Gymnasts and is the only female athlete inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame – Twice! First, in 2006, as an individual athlete and again in 2008, as a member of the Magnificent Seven team.

It’s no surprise that when asked about the design inspiration for her 2012 Legends Collection Leotard for GK, Shannon chose a “modern take” on the 1996 Olympic team leotard.

US Olympic athletes are an inspiration when they don the red, white and blue and represent their country with grace under pressure, in heartbreak, and in success. Shannon’s Legends Inspired Workout Leotard is the epitome of patriotism.

Her design is rich with Navy Mystique, Red Mystique, and Silver Mystique echoing Old Glory. The Stars & Stripes motif is perfected with clear rhinestone star transfers over the right side of the front bodice and right shoulder.

Shannon’s gymnastics career and personal life since retiring are reminiscent of the American spirit. Not long after she and her husband welcomed their adorable son, Rocco, (now 2 years old and currently enrolled in Mommy & Me gymnastics class!) Shannon was diagnosed with a germ cell malignancy, a rare form of ovarian cancer. Shannon is now cancer free and she has remained open and public about her diagnosis and treatment.

Shannon is a role model to women everywhere who want to start or continue a healthy lifestyle. She continues to be an advocate for making health and fitness a priority. Professionally, Shannon has continued her own brand of success as President of Shannon Miller Lifestyle: Health & Fitness for Women and Host of the Health & Wellness Channel's The Wish List with Shannon Miller, a national show where Shannon makes dreams come true for men, women and children facing life threatening medical conditions. She also is the Host of the Shannon Miller Lifestyle Radio Show in partnership with St. Vincent's HealthCare discussing a variety of health and fitness issues. She has authored several fitness and cook books and produced multiple fitness videos and a specially designed work out mat. Shannon is a sought after professional speaker and health and fitness advocate.

Get Shannon's leotard - Shop the GK Gymnastic Legends Special Edition Catalog here!